Whiskeytown National Recreation Area

National Recreation Area · CA · nps.gov page

Blue-gray waters of lake with green shrub in foreground, mountains and clouds in background.
Whiskeytown Lake with the park's tallest mountains in the clouds.Photo: NPS Photo.

Whiskeytown Lake’s crystal-clear waters are iconic, but this 42,000-acre National Recreation Area offers much more. Explore waterfalls, hike rugged trails, uncover Gold Rush history, and witness the resilience of nature in its post-fire recovery. Adventure awaits at every turn—Whiskeytown is calling!

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Photos

A woman looking at a cascade.
Finding peace and tranquility at Whiskeytown Falls.Photo: Choose Redding.
White houses and white outbuildings.
Explore the Tower House Historic District to learn about park history including the Camden Family who lived in this house for over a century.Photo: NPS Photo.
Two kayakers paddling on Whiskeytown Lake. Clouds above.
Kayaking Whiskeytown Lake is popular year-round. Ranger-led kayak and paddleboard tours are available in summer.Photo: NPS Photo.
Orange flowers with small black circles along a creek.
Tiger Lily in bloom along Crystal Creek. Wildflowers abound between March and June.Photo: NPS Photo.
Several people swimming in water, strip of sand with people sitting on it, trees, blue sky above.
Swimming and relaxing at Brandy Creek Beach on a hot summer day.Photo: NPS Photo.
Park ranger with flat hat holding a small commemorative jug
Commemorative gold whiskey jug held by the park superintendent in 1972.Photo: NPS Photo.
Close-up photo of black bear in front of green shrubs.
Black Bear along Brandy Creek Road.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.